Reading rank 431
The Empire of the Air
, subject: Bird flight and early aviation, 1881
Mouillard warns that the idea of flight can invade the brain and take possession of the person who holds it.
4
Coverage Score
2
Scored evidence
About the book
Published in Paris in 1881, the illustrated ornithological study became an important source for Wilbur Wright, who called it one of the most remarkable works of aeronautical literature he had read.
Why read it
Best if you want the source of the warning that the idea of flight can possess the brain, and the book Wilbur Wright counted as remarkable aeronautical literature.
Key themes
- An idea that takes possession
- The book Wilbur Wright could not shake
Evidence and original sources
Sources: official Founders episodes — #28, #239
This record is supported by 2 public evidence rows linked to original Founders episodes.
- The Wright Brothers — David describes Mouillard's book as profoundly affecting Wilbur Wright, who considered it remarkable aeronautical literature; its claim that the idea of flight can possess the brain captures the brothers' move from curiosity to active work.
- The Wright Brothers — David explains that Mouillard's book affected Wilbur Wright more than anything he had yet read and uses its warning about an idea invading the brain to describe the brothers' consuming commitment to flight.